Filmstro has just announced an additional tier for accessing their music soundtrack catalogue: The Filmstro Free Music offering. Choose from over 1,000 soundtracks and use them for your non-paid projects. The catch? Those tracks for YouTube or Vimeo usage will be up to 90 seconds long . All tracks are 100% free and YouTube cleared already.
Filmstro: Adapt Music to Your Edit, Not the Other Way Around
If you aren’t familiar with Filmstro’s unique way of adapting their music catalogue to your timeline, read this article to get you up to speed. Basically, it’s all about three sliders: Momentum, Depth and Power. With these you can adapt your choice of soundtrack to your given timeline. Imagine that you adapt the music to your edit, not the other way around.
Filmstro Free Music
The new freemium offering by Filmstro enables you to download any soundtrack you like out of over 1,000 pieces available. You can use that soundtrack for all your non-paid projects even if you have the monetize option on YouTube enabled on your video(s). The only thing that isn’t covered by this free license is paid work. For that you would have to sign up for a paid tier.
And, back to the iconic three sliders, these can’t be used once you downloaded your choice of soundtrack. You can still use them for finding the perfect soundtrack for your given project but after that you won’t be able to tweak the music any further. You get a standard stereo track of music, delivered in an mp3 file.
The new music page on Filmstro.com, complete with Momentum, Depth and Power sliders.
To me, this is a really great way to get familiar with Filmstro’s music library and check out how one of their bespoke soundtracks works with a given timeline. You can use the soundtrack for free, even on Vimeo or Youtube, no catches here. You can use the soundtracks for your personal website, showreel, film festival submissions and screenings (non-distribution), social media, free podcasts, free tutorials, free games, free apps, and crowdfunding videos.
Here is what the founders of Filmstro have to say about their new offering:
We had originally started Filmstro because we wanted to build empowering tools for filmmakers and that ethos hasn’t changed. We’re inspired by companies like HitFilm to create some real value for our community and we think that it’s about time that ‘Freemium’ offerings came to the music industry, and we’re excited about being the company to do that!
The reason why this is labled freemium seems reasonable to me. Once you choose to tweak the downloaded soundtrack even further to your edit, you’ll need a paid subscription (plus the plugin for your NLE of choice, of course). Once you work on a paid project, you’ll need a paid subription, too. Fair enough.
Pricing
Well, it’s free. Once you choose to dig deeper and sign up for a paid subcription you’ll have to choose a plan. For $9.99 you’ll get the same license structure as the Filmstro free music offering but now you can adapt the soundtrack. You can keyframe the music and tweak the three sliders to match the music to your edit. A 30-day pass for $14.99 or an annual tier for $99.99 is also available. Find out about all the options by clicking here.
The Filmstro app.
If you want to use Filmstro for your paid work you want to look at the freelancer tier. Depending on your work you can choose between a $24.99 /month and a $49.99 /month tier. There are plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro and Apple Final Cut Pro X available. You can download the Filmstro app for both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
Links: Filmstro.com
What do you think? Will you give this new Filmstro free music offering a test ride? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Nikon has decided to offer an all-in-one kit for filmmakers. The kit includes the camera (D850), lenses, batteries, mic and recorder. The price of the bundle is $5,497 instead of $6285 when buying the parts separately, which means you’d be saving around $800.
What’s in the box? (Basically you get all you need, plus more to start shooting)
Camera: Nikon D850 DSLR Camera
Recorder: Atomos Ninja Flame 7″ 4K HDMI Recording Monitor
Lenses: Nikon lenses: AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED , AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED, AF-S 85mm f/1.8G Lens
Battery: Nikon EN-EL15a Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Mic: Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone and Nikon ME-W1 Wireless Microphone Set
For more info and video demonstration, check out the product page.
So what’s the deal here?
It might be that Nikon has woken up, wanting to offer something to filmmakers as well. There definitely is a logical timing going on, as Canon is facing some kind of derangement regarding its video related camera line (cannibalization of DSLR by switching to mirrorless). This allows for Nikon to use the business opportunity and offer some added value package to the market.
Basically, the kit is a good deal because it grants you around 12% discount.
You get a decent DSLR camera (maybe one of the best DSLR’s out there) that can shoot full frame 4K, plus the Atomos recorder. Furthermore, you also get a set of fast primes, and a basic audio kit.
The D850 Filmmaker’s Kit
Final thoughts
This “filmmaker’s kit” could probably be a very good idea for starters. Especially for photographers, who also need to shoot video, and for those, who are newly into filmmaking and have the desire to own some solid equipment during their first days in the field.
This kit will not be much of a benefit for neither senior filmmakers nor professionals. But for beginners, it’s definitely worth a shot.
The Nikon D850 Filmmaker’s Kit is available for orders on B&H at a suggested retail price of $5,499.95.
Tell us about your thoughts regarding this deal. Do you think this move is like a step forward for Nikon, diving into the filmmaking market?

cinema5D is in Japan again, this time to bring you the latest relevant video-related news from CP+, Japan’s biggest and most famous photo exhibition taking place in Yokohama.
While strolling at the professional venue (located separately from the main exhibition hall), I came across Ambeo, the latest VR microphone from Sennheiser, and this time the mic was connected to TASCAM’s DR-701d field recorder. For those who are not familiar with the mic and the uniqueness of ambisonic sound, let me briefly summarise by writing that the mic is especially designed for 360° spatial audio recording, and Ambisonics is a multi-channel technique that lets you spherically capture the sound arriving from all directions, at a single point in space. Now, in order to record this 360 sound in all its glory, TASCAM partnered with Sennheiser to bring a firmware update for its field recorder that allows it to recognise and correctly capture whenever you record 360 sound with this mic.
More about the Ambeo microphone and the Ambisonics sound technic can be found at Sennheiser’s site here
TASCAM’s DR 701d field recorder FW update V2.0 can be downloaded hereSennheiser Ambeo VR mic
In case 360 sound recording is your speciality, please share your thoughts about this combo with us. It is small and portable – but is it any good?

The Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 is the new generation of wireless microphone systems, building on the reliability and high quality of the popular EW-G3 range.
Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 500P Series
Sennheiser has always been a go-to choice for wireless microphone systems, with the EW-100 G3 system seen everywhere from ENG interviews to film sets. Announced this week, the Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 systems promise better quality broadcast sound, faster setup time, greater transmission range and much longer operating time.
Available in two systems, the 100P Series is targeted at broadcasting and video production, taking on the same form factor as the previous G3 system. It’s an all in-one-system, with Sennheiser’s familiar easy to use interface, and fast setup time. It promises a transmission range of 100 meters/330 feet, and up to 8 hours of operation time. The 100P series can auto scan to find open frequency bands to use, too.
For the higher end, the 500P series is targeted at film quality sound to be used on set. The transmitter unit has phantom power, with a bandwidth of 88 MHz, and up to 32 channels to choose from, minimizing any interference. With an increased radio frequency output power, the 500P series ensures the sound can be transmitted and received safely.
Here are the technical specifications of the G4 100P series:
20 selectable channels
Up to 42 MHz bandwidth with 1680 selectable frequencies.
Up to 100 meters/330 feet transmission range
Up to 30mW high RF power output (country regulation dependent).
Off/Low/Medium/High squelch setting.
25 Hz to 18 KHz frequency response
Up to 110dBA signal-to-noise ratio.
Up to 10 hours operation.
Receiver and Transmitter runs on 2xAA batteries each.
Here are the technical specifications of the G4 500P series:
32 selectable channels
Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies.
Up to 50mW High RF power output (10mW, 30mW and 50mW available depending on country regulations).
Up to 8 hours operation.
Plug-on transmitter with phantom power
The Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 microphone systems will be available from April 2018, with pre-order available from B&H below.
Are you looking to upgrade your old wireless microphone systems? Do the new Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 systems appeal to you? Let us know in the comments.

The Zoom F1 is a very tiny, yet very versatile little guy. It’s a pocket-sized audio recorder which can be fed with everything from a lavalier mic to mono or stereo shotgun mics and even a mid-side stereo module and a dual XLR/TRS input module is available. Let’s have a look!
The pocket-sized Zoom F1 can do more than just record 24bit/96kHz sound from a lavalier mic, it actually features the same proprietary 10-pin connector which can be found on higher-priced Zoom audio recorders.
Zoom F1 Audio Recorder
There are two models available, but the only differences are the included accessories. This should prove the extreme versatility of the Zoom F1 recorder. You can choose between a lavlier equipped bundle or a kit with a shotgun mic. Zoom claims that all of their clip-on modules are compatible with the F1.
All seven (!) possible mics and modules which can be used with the Zoom F1.
Let’s have a look at the official videos made by Zoom in order to get an idea of how this tiny thing works. First up: Zoom F1 in conjunction with the lavalier mic attachment:
All the neccessary functions are laid out on the front of the unit, no deep menu-dives required. The Zoom F1 records up to 24bit/96kHz to WAV files or to various flavours of mp3. All recordings are written directly to a microSD card as a stereo file which can be edited in post easily. A handy lock switch prevents your talent from accidentally altering any settings while recording.
When using the Zoom F1 as a host for a shotgun mic, the situation is a different one. Now you can mount the unit directly to a DSRL for example and get both, internal recording and audio out to the DSLRs audio input. If that camera of yours lacks a headphone jack for monitoring audio, the Zoom F1 has got you covered, too! Watch the video below to see the F1 in action:
So we’ve got two different devices in one box here. Whatever you’re up to with the Zoom F1, it won’t let you down. With 2 AAA batteries you’re good to go for up to 10 hours of operation (with lavalier mic). Since the shotgun mic uses plug-in power, it will squash the batteries faster.
Features of the Zoom F1
In addition to the already cool features, the Zoom F1 has some more tricks up its sleeves. When using a micro USB cable you can connect it to your computer in either thumb-drive mode for data exchange or in audio-interface mode. With this special mode engaged you can record directly to your computer.
Another cool feature is the pre-record function. Two seconds of continuous recording can be buffered before even hitting the rec button. The 1.25″ monochromatic display is viewable even in direct sunlight. Check out the following list for a full rundown of the specs:
Two-channel audio recorder
Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules
Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
One-touch button controls
1.25” monochrome LCD display
Rec Hold function to avoid accidental operation of buttons
Stereo ⅛” Mic/Line In mini phone jack with Plug-in power (2.5V)
Stereo ⅛” Phone/Line Output jack with dedicated volume control
Built in limiter and auto level control to avoid clipping
Pre-Record function
Tone generator for calibrating audio levels between the F1 and a DSLR or video camera without the need for an attenuator cable
Sound marker function that outputs quick tone to make syncing audio and video easy
Records directly to micro SD and SDHC cards (class 4 or higher) up to 32 GB
​Micro USB port for data exchange to and from computer and use as an audio interface with computer or iOS device
​Runs on only 2 standard AAA alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or AC adapter (AD-17)
Up to 10 hours of operation with alkaline batteries (when using lavalier)
Pricing and Availability
There are two sets available. One comes with a lavalier mic, a lavalier clip and a belt clip. This set sells for $199.99 and should be available soon.
If you want to go run-and-gun with your DSLR, you should probably check out the other kit. That one comes with a SGH-6 mono shotgun mic module, a shockmount, a windscreen and a cable for connecting a DSLR. This kit sells for $249.99 and should be, again, available soon.
As per Zoom, every modules available can be attached to the F1, even though it’s not listed as a compatible device on their own product pages. Let’s see how the EXH-6 dual XLR/TRS combo input capsule works with the F1, for example. Hopefully it has enough power to drive the attached mics!
Links: Zoom (lav) | Zoom (shotgun)
Do you use any Zoom products? Share your experiences in the comments below!

When you’re editing on the go, you may need to create quality voice recordings. The Universal Audio Arrow with bus power over a Thunderbolt 3 connection could be just the right tool for that job.
Since everything electronic keeps getting more and more portable (and affordable) these days, we, the users, want to have it all. Shoot, edit, color grade, master and deliver entire movies while on the go. That might include some quality voiceovers, too. In comes the new Universal Audio Arrow recording interface with some neat tricks up its sleeve.
Univeral Audio Arrow
This little device doesn’t produce any major cable clutter since a single Thunderbolt 3 cable provides both signal and power – a feature that already proves the Arrow’s purpose: portability.
Since the Arrow is meant to be taken on the road with you, ruggedness is a must. As such, the the all-metal body of the interface lacks any presence of plastic.
In terms of connectivity, the UA Arrow offers the following: two combo XLR / ¼” jacks on the back and one dedicated ¼” input for an electric guitar or a bass on the front. Two ¼” jacks on the back and one ¼” headphone jack on the front of the unit take care of your output.
Watch the video below for a short demo of the Arrow:
Of course, the video is more about music recordings. However, if music production on the go isn’t a problem with this little interface, quality voice recordings for video are child’s play.
Specifications
All analogue inputs travel through a quality ADC (analogue-digital converter) where it gets the 24bit/192kHz treatment. According to Universal Audio, the converters in place originate from its flagship Apollo line of interfaces, which guarantees good quality.
The upper part of the Arrow offers a well thought-out and minimalist interface. Dedicated buttons for 48V phantom power, input selection, high-pass filter and other functions offer a user-friendly operation, while the large rotary encoder acts as a control for monitor levels and preamps.
If you’re into music recording, the Universal Audio signature Unison preamps offer a whole world of plugins in order to color the incoming signal on the fly. The Arrow comes bundled with a few vintage plugins already, and others can be purchased separately.
I think the unique selling point for the Universal Audio Arrow recording interface is the quality chain of ADC and Unison preamps. Together with the provided 48V Phantom Power feature, this could be a very decent on-the-go recording studio for YouTubers, editors and filmmakers alike.
Pricing and Availability
The Arrow is available now and sells for $499. However, in order to actually work with it, you’ll need a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-c connector) cable, which is sold seperately.
A quad-core i7 (or better) processor is recommended. The Universal Audio Arrow works with both Mac (mac OS 10.12 or newer) and Windows (Windows 10 with anniversary update 64bit edition).
links: Universal Audio
Do you need to record high-quality voiceovers from time to time? What do you think of this little device? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Airo is the new line of affordable audio equipment from K-Tek. These six products – boom pole, shock mount, XLR cable, boompole holder and bags – are aimed mainly at entry-level users and have interesting pricing.
K-Tek has been offering audio gear for more than 20 years, with its line-up of products catering for the needs of audio mixers and boom pole operators. It is now launching its new line of products called Airo, which should appeal to entry-level users or just about any content creator requiring affordable professional audio solutions. The line includes six products at very interesting prices – you can find links for all these products below!
Airo Boom Pole 1 (ABP1)
ABP1 is a practical boom pole used to place the microphone close to the audio source when recording. Its collapsed length is 3’ 2.5” (98cm), and it extends to a total length of 10’10”(330cm), weighing 1.6 lbs (725g). The pole is made of black anodized aluminum and features rubberized collars and a foam grip to reduce unwanted handling noise.
Price: $100.
Airo Boom Holder 1 (ABH1)
The Airo Boom Holder allows you to easily attach the boom to a C-stand thanks to a smart, functional and rugged design built from black anodized aluminum that also features a gently padded cradle to protect the boom. This accessory is vital when needing to boom a mic over sit-down interviews or other situations when the microphone remains suspended in one spot. It can also help you if are a one person crew without a dedicated boom operator. The Airo Boom Holder 1 (ABH1) is made in the USA.
Price: $50.
Airo Shock Mount 1 (ASM1)
A shock mount is an essential piece of equipment for shotgun mics. The Airo Shock Mount 1 uses K-Tek’s microphone suspenders to isolate the mic from vibration and cushions it when the boom is swinging.
Price: $30.
Airo Mixer bag 1 (AMB1)
The Airo Mixer bag 1 is K-Tek’s new bag for small mixers or recorders like the SD MixPre-3 & MixPre-6 or Zoom F4 & F8. It has a large side and bottom zipper opening allowing for easy access. Wireless receivers can be attached to Molle-style attachment points on the front of the bag. The sides feature Velcro loops as additional attachment points. The removable, clear shield offers additional protection for the mixer/recorder while allowing an unobstructed view of the screen and interface. Interior Dimensions (width x depth x height) are 11.4″ x 2.4″ x 5.1″ (29 x 6 x 13 cm).
Price: $100.
Airo Kit Bag 1 (AKB1)
The Airo Kit Bag (AKB1) is constructed of padded Polyester 600D. This triangular-shapped bag features a shoulder strap and a large zippered opening at the top and is 47.3” (120 cm) long. It should be big enough to carry boom pole, shock mount, windscreen, cables and some more equipment.
Price: $75.
Airo XLR Cable 25 (AXC25)
Classic 3-pin XLR Male to Female cable rounds up the Airo offer. Length is 25′ (7.6 m) so should be enough for a use with the Airo boom pole.
Price: $25.
K-Tek aims to present its new Airo line of products during the NAB Show in April 2018, and plans to introduce more products to this affordable audio equipment line soon.
Are you using this kind of audio equpiment on smaller productions? Do you find this product line and its pricing interesting? Let us know in the comments below.

Zoom have upgraded their popular entry-level audio recorder, the H1. The all new Zoom H1n comes with a bunch of new features and refinements, especially for indie video shooters. Let’s have a look, shall we?
Upgraded looks. That’s the first thing you’ll notice when examining the new Zoom H1n audio recorder. But the company didn’t stop just there, the engineers plunged deep into the H1 and upgraded the inner workings quite a bit. As a result we see a polished new housing, repositioned buttons and lots of new features.
Zoom H1n Audio Recorder
The original H1 recorder was very small and compact and so is the new Zoom H1n. The size and weight remains almost the same while the housing has evolved. This device is meant to be put in your pocket and carried wherever you go so you’re always ready to record something without adding any bulk to your bag.
the new Zoom H1n (top) vs the now discontinued H1 (bottom).
The biggest advantage to me personally is the fact that all the controls now can be found right on the front of the Zoom H1n. There’s now a dedicated dial for levelling the incoming signal, too. For such a device I always prefer more dedicated buttons and dials than less controls and a time-consuming menu structure.
Watch the introduction video below for a quick rundown of features:
Stereo X/Y 90° mics are on board but this entry-level recorder doesn’t feature any XLR connections. However, it does sport a ⅛” Mic/Line In jack so all you need is a powered mic in order to record external audio. The device provides up to 2.5V plug-in power. A headphone/Line Out jack can be found on the other side so a DSLR without any headphone out shouldn’t be an issue anymore.
Features
The Zoom H1n comes with some interesting new features for musicians and video shooters alike. For example, a new tone generator makes it easy to set your camera’s audio levels and to sync your recordings in post. You now can set the device to auto-record or pre-record, too.
Check out the full list of ne features here:
One-touch button controls
Stereo X/Y 90˚microphones handle up to 120 dB SPL
1.25” monochrome LCD display
Stereo ⅛” Mic/Line In mini phone jack
Stereo ⅛” Phone/Line Output jack with dedicated
Limiter button for input signal up to 120 dB SPL
Playback Speed Control, Voice Emphasize Filter,
and Stereo Bounce functions
Auto-Record, Pre-Record, and Self-Timer functions
Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant
WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
Tone generator for filmmaking use with DSLR
and video cameras
Records directly to microSD and microSDHC cards up to 32 GB
Micro USB port for data exchange to and from computer
and use as an audio interface
Runs on only 2 standard AAA alkaline, Lithium, or
NiMH rechargeable batteries, or AC adapter (AD-17)
Up to 10 hours of operation with alkaline batteries
While a single AA battery was needed for the older H1, the Zoom H1n demands for 2 AAA batteries. These will juice the recorder for upt o 10 hours. For the sake of our environment you should use rechargable ones, of course.
Just as the H1, the H1n records supports up to 24.bit/96kHz audio in either WAV or mp3 (up to 320 kbps) formats. Also, the Zoom H1n can be used as an USB audio interface for your DAW of choice. Free versions of Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production suite and WaveLab LE audio editing software are bundeled with it.
SD cards (class 4 and up) are used for recording, the device will take cards up to 32GB. Check out the following chart for avarage recording times:
A single (and inexpensive) 32GB microSD card will record up to 15.5 hours worth of high quality 24bit/96kHz WAV audio. Not bad!
Pricing and Availability
The Zoom H1n sells for only $119.99 and is available now. It replaces the older H1 model, which has since been discontinued.
I think this is a worthy successor to the H1 recorder, especially for the price. With the new tone generator on board it could be a very capable companion for low-profile DSLR shoots. Or just take it with you wherever you go and capture some sounds for your upcoming edits.
link: Zoom
Do you own a Zoom audio recorder? What do think of this tiny device, is it worth an upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!